Walsall Local History Centre

Walsall Local History Centre holds resources for the Metropolitan Borough of Walsall and is run by Walsall Council. Resources held by the Archive date from 1225 to the present day and include documents, manuscripts, maps, newspapers and photographs.

The borough's building plans from 1870-1950 are also available at the Office.

Whatever the reason for your visit, whether you wish to research the history of a house, conduct research for a school, college or university assignment, study your family history or are interested in the history of your local area, you will the documents held of use.

The knowledgeable and helpful staff are always on hand to help should you have any questions or require assistance.

Location and Directions

The Archive is located one mile from Walsall town centre and has an onsite car park. If travelling by train to Walsall, you must go to St Paul's Street Bus Station if continuing your journey by bus or Leicester Street Tax Rank if continuing your journey by taxi.

Buses 301 or 302 stop near to the Office.

Booking

You do not need an appointment to visit, but booking is advisable if a microfilm or microfiche reader is required. You can book one two-hour session per day, but if you are travelling from outside a 25 mile radius of the centre it is possible to book two sessions.

If you wish to peruse census returns, local newspapers, parish registers, the GRO Index or the International Genealogical Index (IGI), you must book a microfiche or microfilm reader.

Photography and Photocopying

The Office can provide black and white and colour photocopies of documents, but restrictions apply and they make a charge to people using this service. They are not able to copy any document which is fragile and easily damaged. Some documents cannot be copied because of copyright legislation.

You are allowed to use your own camera in the Office, but must purchase a photography permit before taking any photographs. Some documents cannot be photographed because they are fragile and easily damaged, so it best to speak to a member of staff before taking any photographs.

Computers and Wi-Fi

The Office provides free access to the Internet, which includes Ancestry library edition.

Accessibility

The building is fully accessible, having disabled access and disabled customer toilets.

Refreshments

Drinks facilities are available in the Archive. You are also welcome to eat your own food in their reception area.

Many eating establishments are located in Walsall town centre, which is approximately 20 minutes (1 mile) walk from the Archive.

Shop

Many local history books are sold at the Centre, some of which include: